Completion of Level 4 Self‑Driving Towing Tractor Trial Operation and Commencement of Practical Operations within the Restricted Area of Tokyo International Airport

Dec. 15, 2025
Marubeni Corporation
AiRO Inc.

Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”) and AiRO Inc. (hereinafter “AiRO”), a joint venture of Marubeni and ROBO-HI Corporation (hereinafter, “ROBO-HI”), conducted their first Level 4^* self-driving towing tractor (cargo towing vehicle) trial operation within the restricted area of Tokyo International Airport (hereinafter “Haneda Airport”), with the cooperation of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “JAL”). As a result, JAL will commence practical operations of Level 4 self-driving towing tractors.

Trial operation overview
The trial operation involved the ROBO-HI towing tractor “RoboCar Tractor 25T,” which towed six transport containers and ran autonomously within the restricted area of Haneda Airport while determining its position using a combination of sensors and high-precision maps. The vehicle is capable of remote monitoring and control via LTE communication, features constant surveillance through five onboard cameras, and is equipped with automatic deceleration and stopping functions triggered by three obstacle detection sensors. Through this trial operation, it was demonstrated that the safety standards required for Level 4 autonomous driving were satisfied.

Background
While aviation-related demand is expanding, including an increase in inbound travelers to Japan, labor shortages within airports due to population decline are becoming more acute, making labor-saving strategies in ground handling operations an urgent issue for the aviation industry. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has been promoting the implementation of Level 4 autonomous driving within airport restricted areas by 2025. The transport of passenger baggage and cargo using towing tractors is a ground operation with high frequency that requires workers to be engaged for long hours, so the early deployment of autonomous driving is expected to significantly reduce labor requirements.

Future outlook
Marubeni has been pursuing solutions in the aviation operations business through its Group companies responsible for ground handling operations as well as its investments in overseas partner companies that develop ground handling operation monitoring systems. By combining these past initiatives with the insights on Level 4 autonomous driving gained through this trial operation, Marubeni and AiRO will work to alleviate labor shortages and improve operational efficiency in the aviation industry, thereby contributing to its sustainable growth.

* Fully automated driving in which the system performs all driving tasks under certain conditions

ROBO-HI Overview

Company Name:	ROBO-HI Corporation
Location:	Harumi Island Triton Square Office Tower W, 14th floor, 1-8-8 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Establishment:	January 2001
Representative:	Hisashi Taniguchi
Business details:	Development and provision of multi-vendor robot platforms, life mobility, and industrial autonomous driving mobility

AiRO Overview

Company Name:	AiRO Inc.
Location:	1-4-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Establishment:	December 2018
Representative:	Hitoshi Nakamura
Business details:	Development and sales of autonomous vehicles for use within airport restricted areas and terminals